THIRD PILLAR OF ISLAM

الزكاة (Az-Zakah) – The Almsgiving

Zakah is the third pillar of Islam, representing a mandatory act of charity that purifies wealth, fosters social equality, and strengthens the bond between the rich and the poor. Derived from the Arabic root ز-ك-و (z-k-w), it means “to purify” or “to grow.”

Definition and Obligation

1. Meaning:

• Zakah is a portion of one’s surplus wealth given annually to those in need.

• It purifies wealth and soul from greed, while also aiding the less fortunate.

2. Quranic Command:

• “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them.” (Quran 9:103)

3. Obligation:

• Zakah is mandatory for all eligible Muslims who meet the criteria of wealth (nisab).

• It is not optional like general charity (sadaqah).

Eligibility and Calculation

1. Nisab (Minimum Wealth Threshold):

• A Muslim must possess wealth above a certain threshold (called nisab) for a lunar year (hawl).

• The current nisab is equivalent to:

• Gold standard: 85 grams of gold.

• Silver standard: 595 grams of silver.

(The monetary value of these changes with the market.)

2. Rate of Zakah:

• Typically 2.5% of wealth held for a lunar year.

• Applies to:

• Savings (cash, gold, silver).

• Business assets.

• Agricultural produce.

• Livestock (specific conditions apply).

Recipients of Zakah

The Quran specifies eight categories of recipients:

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, for bringing hearts together, for freeing captives, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the [stranded] traveler.” (Quran 9:60)

1. The Poor (Al-Fuqara): Those with no or insufficient income.

2. The Needy (Al-Masakin): Those struggling to meet basic needs.

3. Zakah Collectors: Those appointed to collect and distribute Zakah.

4. To Reconcile Hearts: New Muslims or those inclined to Islam.

5. Freeing Captives: Supporting the release of enslaved or detained people.

6. Those in Debt: Assisting those burdened by legitimate debts.

7. In the Cause of Allah: Supporting Islamic causes and efforts.

8. The Traveler: Stranded or in need of financial assistance while traveling.

Purpose and Benefits of Zakah

1. Spiritual Purification:

• Cleanses the heart of greed and materialism.

• Purifies wealth, making it halal and blessed.

2. Social Equity:

• Bridges the gap between rich and poor, fostering community solidarity.

3. Economic Redistribution:

• Circulates wealth to those in need, stimulating economic balance.

4. Reward in the Hereafter:

• Allah promises immense rewards for those who give Zakah:

“And establish prayer and give Zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (Quran 2:110)